Basrah Journal of Veterinary Research

The present study aims to produce dried probiotic yoghurt using an infrared oven. A therapeutic starter consisting of three species: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus was used. The product was then dried at 50°C, and the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of the dried yoghurt were studied during refrigerated storage. The results demonstrated the possibility of preserving probiotic yogurt dried in an infrared oven at 50 °C at refrigerator temperature, while, the moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, total solids, pH levels and total acidity of probiotic yoghurt (5.91%, 31.92%, 1.45%, 51.51%, 8.21%, 94.09%, 4.34, and 0.98%, respectively) after 1 day of storage time. The log number of starter bacteria was 8.30, 6.73, 6.62, and 6.30 CFU/g for Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum, respectively. The sensory evaluation results of the infrared oven-dried yoghurt samples on the first and last days of storage at refrigerator temperature were similar to the results of the air oven-dried yoghurt samples. Finally, drying the probiotic yoghurt in an infrared oven at 50°C yielded a dried product containing a high number of probiotic bacteria and exhibited good physicochemical properties after 3 months.

The study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection Nineveh governorate, Iraq. The study took place between August February 2025. Examination of faecal samples was carried out sedimentation techniques to identify the Fasciola spp. eggs. According spp. eggs were found in 12.50% of the feaces of 200 examined cattle.The significant incidence of Fascioliasis infection between males and notable differences were observed concerning infection rates Furthermore, there was a significant difference between clinically healthy suspected infection in cattle. The highest infection rates were recorded the market of cattle while the lowest rates were recorded in Bashuiqua highest infection rates were recorded during October and November temperature during this period, which is ideal for egg hatching, furthermore ponds and aquatic plants especially in the rainy season. The lowest rates August, January and February. The average egg dimensions of the 139.42 × 81.34 microns (length × width).

Currently, there is a demand for safe and non-addictive analgesics that are effective and have minimal adverse effects. The analgesic effects of ketorolac were examined in male rats to assess its potential applications in relevant domains. The median lethal dose (LD50) of ketorolac, which resulted in the mortality of 50% of the experimental animals, was (693 mg/kg) by intramuscular administration. The rats showed signs of acute poisoning, represented by lethargy, elevated respiration, and Straub's tail, resulting in nervous convulsions and death within 10–15 minutes of dosing. On the other hand, the median analgesic dose (ED50) that produced analgesia in 50% of the animals was (14.39 mg/kg) after I.M injection. Ketorolac exerts an analgesic effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing method. Rats administered ketorolac at multiple doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg,i.m.) exhibited a substantial decrease in the frequency of writhing episodes in a dose-dependent manner to 81.6 ± 1.94, 59.8 ± 1.82, and 39.4 ± 1.77, respectively, compared to the control group that received normal saline (103±4.63). This research indicate the possibility of using this treatment safely as an analgesic under the supervision of the veterinarian.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe zoonotic disease in which ticks serve as both the primary vector and natural reservoir for the virus. Small ruminants are considered amplifying hosts and a potential source of human infection, making them a relevant model for epidemiological studies. This study represents the first investigation of CCHF in Maysan Governorate, southern Iraq. A total of 174 serum samples (98 sheep and 76 goats) were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The overall seroprevalence rate was 31.6%, with 34.7% in sheep and 27.6% in goats. Regional differences were observed, with the highest seropositivity in Al-Kahla (36.6%), followed by Al-Maimouna and Qalat Salih (33.3% each), Al-Amara (32.5%), Al-Majar Al-Kabir (29.5%), and the lowest in Ali Al-Gharbi (23.3%). A statistically significant association (P < 0.05) was found between seroprevalence and animal age, whereas no significant difference was observed based on sex (P ≥ 0.05). In parallel, 810 ticks were collected from the same animals and grouped into 41 pools according to collection sites. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that 85% (35/41) of tick pools contained detectable CCHFV RNA, with Ct values ≤ 40 in most cases. These findings highlight a high level of viral circulation among tick populations in the study area and underscore their critical role as active vectors of CCHFV.

Sheep parasitism is a serious issue that affects farmers all over the country. The sheep industry suffers greatly from a parasitic relationship since gastrointestinal parasite infestations are the primary factor that restricts sheep productivity. This study, conducted between November 2023 and April 2024 in Duhok Province, Iraq, aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep, identify the dominant parasitic species, evaluate associated risk factors, and analyze the hematological and biochemical changes in infected animals compared to healthy controls. A total of 110 fecal and blood samples were randomly collected, revealing an overall parasite prevalence of 57.2%. Six helminth species (Marshallagia marshalli, Strongylus, Moniezia expansa, Ostertagia stertagi, Eimeria spp., and Trichuris trichiura) were identified, with Marshallagia marshalli and Strongyles spp. being the most prevalent. Infection rates were significantly influenced by age and management systems. Hematological findings indicated a notable decrease in hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TRBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), and platelet count (PLT). Meanwhile, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) declined, suggesting macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Additionally, total leukocyte count (TWBCs) significantly increased due to elevated neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. Serum biochemical analysis showed a significant rise in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, and triglycerides. At the same time, glucose, total protein, and creatinine levels were significantly lower in infected sheep. However, serum bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels remained unaffected by the infestation. Parasitic infections significantly impact hematological and biochemical parameters, leading to economic losses. Therefore, effective management and preventive strategies should be implemented to mitigate the harmful effects of these infestations.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces (H. sabdariffa), widely consumed as a herbal tea, are recognized for their rich content of antioxidant phytochemicals and associated therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of H. sabdariffa extract on thyroid function under conditions of oxidative stress induced by chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure. A total of thirty rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group (G1) received no treatment. Group (G2) was administered CPF at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. Groups (G3) and (G4) received H. sabdariffa extract at doses of 250 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg, respectively, in combination with CPF. Group (G5) received vitamin C at a dose of 100 mg/kg along with CPF. All treatments were administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected to assess serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Additionally, thyroid tissues were collected for histopathological examination. The results demonstrated that groups G3, G4, and G5 exhibited no significant alterations in thyroid hormone levels compared to the control group, whereas G2 showed a significant reduction in T3, T4, and TSH levels. Histological findings further supported these results, revealing notable improvements in thyroid architecture compared to G2. In conclusion, the findings suggest that H. sabdariffa extract exerts a protective effect against CPF-induced oxidative damage to the thyroid gland. Its efficacy was comparable to that of vitamin C. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between the two administered doses of H. sabdariffa extract

Preliminary investigations are vital for establishing the necessary steps for more extensive studies. This study aimed to investigate the evidence of immune responses to Coxiella burnetii in cattle (Bos taurus) found in Mosul City, Iraq. To achieve this objective, we examined serum samples from 46 cattle collected from different regions in Mosul using a bovine IgG sandwich-ELISA kit. The study identified 2/46 (4.3 %) positive samples and 31/46 (67.4 %) equivocal. In conclusion, C. burnetii infection is evident in cattle in Mosul City. Future studies must thoroughly examine the epidemiological factors associated with coxiellosis in cattle in Mosul.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a significant cyclo-zoonotic parasitic disease with worldwide distribution caused by larval stages (metacestodes) of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. The present study was conducted to determine the current prevalence, histopathology, and molecular identification of CE in sheep and goats of Duhok province, Iraq. Out of 4059 slaughtered sheep and 357 slaughtered goats, the total prevalence of hydatidosis was 9.98% and 7.56%, respectively. The liver was determined as the primary site for infection (91.44%) in both of the hosts, followed by lung (75.0%), kidney (0.69%), and spleen (0.46%). The examination of infected organs showed a moderate to severe buildup of certain immune cells around the cysts, which were either sterile, fertile, or calcified. Additional pathological findings, including fibrous tissue proliferation, necrosis, oedema, and structural collapse of tissues adjacent to the cysts were also recorded. Furthermore, molecular characterization based on PCR amplification encoding the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene confirmed the presence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s) genotype (G1 and G3 strains) in isolates obtained from organs of sheep and goats. Sequencing of the obtained nucleotides revealed a high level of similarity, reaching 99.45% to 100% in compare with other GenBank retrived-sequences of G1 and G3 strains published globally. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis clustered all our sequences with G1 strain, except for a single nucleotide polymorphism in isolate PV642913 clustered with G3 strain. To the authors knowledge, this is the first molecular study to identifiy G1 and G3 strains of E. granulosus in sheep and goats in Duhok province, Iraq.

Lice are important external parasites due to their widespread distribution, as well as their high reproductive efficiency, tolerance to unfavorable conditions, and hiding, which makes them deadly pests for birds. The results of the study showed a high rate of lice infection in turkeys in Nineveh Governorate, with the infection rate reaching 64,16%, with a higher infection rate in females 80 %
compared to males 42%. The rate was also high in turkeys of older ages 85.18%, with significant differences in the infection rate depending on gender and age. Four types of lice were diagnosed Menacanthus stramineus, Menacanthus cornutus, Menopon gallinae, and Lipeurus caponis.The most common type was Menacanthus straminens 87% and the least common lice was Lipeurus caponis 25.97%,.Some important morphological characteristics of the identified lice species parasitizing turkeys were also studied in this study.

Sarcocyst infection rates in slaughtered cattle were the focus of this investigation. In 300 cattle esophageal muscles and serum samples, the ELISA test was utilized to identify Sarcocystis antigens and Sarcocystis IgG antibody. ELISA results for sarcocystis antigens were positive in 160 cattle (53.3%). According to the anti-sarcocystis IgG ELISA, 182 cattle (60.7%) had positive results. The statistical significance of differences between these two ELISA test results was not established (P>0.05). According to the cattle's age, Higher positive sarcocystis antigens- ELISA results were detected in 138 older cattle (61.3%) than in 22 younger cattle (29.3%). The mean optic density (OD) values of sarcocystis antigens were higher in older animals (1.204±0.296) than in younger animals (0.576±0.207). There is a statistically significant ( P<0.05) association between the mean of OD values and age groups. Anti-sarcocystis IgG antibody detection by ELISA revealed that the percentage of Sarcocystosis rose with age, with a remarkable 66.7% of Sarcocystosis in older animals compared to 42.7% in younger ones. The mean OD values were higher in older cattle (1.297 ± 0.480) than in younger cattle (0.490 ± 0.182). A statistically significant (P<0.05) correlation is found between age groups and the mean of OD values. The results of the two types of ELISA tests showed a significant seasonal difference(P<0.05) in the distribution of Sarcocystosis in cattle. Sarcocystosis was most common in the spring, with a 70.5% percentage in both ELISA tests based on sarcocystis antigens and anti-sarcocystis IgG.

Helicobacter pylori is a globally distributed bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa and is associated with several gastrointestinal diseases in humans, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric carcinoma. While transmission is primarily human-to-human, the role of animals as potential reservoirs remains under investigation. This study aimed to detect H. pylori in domestic cats and dogs and compare the prevalence and genotypic patterns of the cagA and vacA virulence genes with those found in human clinical samples. The study comprised 261 samples, divided into 161 animal samples (dogs and cats) and 100 human gastric biopsies of patients with gastritis. All samples were analyzed by molecular technique (PCR) to detect H. pylori targeting the ureC gene. In addition to identifying the virulence factors cagA and vacA with their genotypes (vacA m1, m2, s1a, s1b, s1c, and s2). The results indicate H. pylori infection rates of 8.2% in dogs, 4% in cats, and 25% in human samples. Notably, a high prevalence of cagA genes (100%), (80%), and (96%) was detected in cats, dogs, and humans, respectively. The vacA m2/s2 strain exhibited a high prevalence of 75% in both cats and humans, compared to 20% in dogs. These findings demonstrate a high frequency of cagA-positive strains in pets and humans, in addition to the predominance vacA m2/s2 genotype in these host species, with a moderate presence in dogs. All together indicate a potential zoonotic transmission pathway and the possibility that companion animals may serve as a reservoir and source of H. pylori infection.

The most prevalent and financially important inflammatory disease of the mammary gland is mastitis, which affects both humans and animals, especially those involved in dairy manufacturing. Mastitis increases the chance of culling the affected animals, decreases milk production, and poor quality of milk. In general, infections caused by bacteria that penetrate the mammary epithelial cells and interfere with the mechanical barrier, as well as produce severe inflammation, are the main cause of the infection and disease. Conventional antibiotics are still the standard of treatment, but their extensive usage raises significant concerns about recurring infections, milk residual contamination, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recently, there has been increasing interest in investigating non-antibiotic alternatives and potential treatment methods such as immunobiotics, or probiotics (lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium spp.), which have immunomodulatory properties along with their bioactive compound antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulation. This is one novel preventive method for the treatment and avoidance of bovine mastitis.

The idea of inducing the body's immune system is the premise of basic immunizations. The vaccines mainly work by starting innate immune reactions and enacting antigen-presenting cells (APCs), consequently prompting a defensive system of adaptive immune reaction against a microorganism antigen. Adjuvants are materials added to vaccines to enhance the immunogenicity of highly purified antigens that cannot stimulate the immune system and have been utilized in human vaccinations for over ninety years. Although initial adjuvants, such as oil-in-water emulsions and aluminum, were used in experiments, rapidly growing knowledge about the immune system's interactions with microbes indicates a greater understanding of the role of adjuvants and the design of modern vaccines. Vaccines have the potential to be custom-made to the ideal medical advantage. Proceeding with the security assessment of authorized vaccinations that include adjuvant frameworks suggests that their single advantage risk assessment remains good. Adjuvants contribute to the commencement of the innate immune system reaction stimulated by antigens; inflammatory responses at the location of the injection site are one example, with for the most part limited and fleeting impacts. Actuated effectors (like APCs) at that point transport forward to depleting lymph nodes, where they direct the sort, size, and nature of the acquired immune responses. This way, the typical combination of antigens and adjuvants can potentiate downstream acquired immune response, empowering the advancement of new, adequate vaccinations. Numerous infectious diseases of global importance are not currently preventable through vaccination. With adjuvants, the most developed innovation is within the quest for novel vaccinations versus testing microorganisms, in addition to weak populations that respond ineffectively to conventional vaccines.